on earth

on earth
adverb
used with question words to convey surprise
-

what on earth are you doing?

* * *

used for emphasis

who on earth would venture out in weather like this?

* * *

on earth

It's the tallest building on earth.

She said she wouldn't marry him if he were the last man on earth.

He says that nothing on earth will change his mind.

2
— used to make a question more forceful

Why on earth [=in the world, ever] did you do that?

What on earth is he talking about?

Where on earth are my keys?

• • •
Main Entry:earth

* * *

on ˈearth idiom
used after negative nouns or pronouns to emphasize what you are saying

Nothing on earth would persuade me to go with him.

Main entry:earthidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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